Army Withdraws From Banex Shopping Plaza, After 9 Days Of Siege

As Shopping Complex Re-opens For Business

The military has pulled out from the Banex shopping complex in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.

THE WHISTLER gathered on Monday that the military, having shut down the two-building complexes, withdrew about 30 minutes ago.

A shop owner who pleaded anonymity disclosed an ongoing meeting between the management of the Banex shopping complex and shop owners.

“The military men left about 30 minutes ago, and the management is currently meeting with the shop owners inside one of the compounds,” the source said.

When asked about the details of the meeting, the shop owner said, “They (management) are discussing the modality of functioning, but at the moment, we are hopeful that the place will reopen soon. I am only waiting till the end of the meeting for more details.”

Also, a source at the defence Headquarters told THE WHISTLER, “We are withdrawing. Issues are being settled.”

When asked if there’s hope for the complex to open for business, he said, “Yes, that’s why we are withdrawing. As I said, the issues are being ironed out.”

Probed further on when specifically the plaza will re-open for business, he responded, “Today.”